Motorola Moto E review

The Motorola Moto E currently has an Informr score of 7.6 out of 10.
This score is based on our evaluation of 38
sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

The "1-Minute" Review

What's good

Silky smooth interface

Lightweight design

Excellent build quality

Clear, bright display

What's bad

No LTE support

Low storage capacity

No front facing camera

“Terrible” rear facing camera

The Moto E is the latest entry-level device from Motorola. While it’s 4.3-inch display, dual-core 1.2-GHz processor and 1GB of RAM are far from top-of-the-line, Motorola’s aggressively cheap pricing could change what an entry-level smartphone is capable of. But does the phone live up to it’s claims? Let’s find out!

One of the most commonly mentioned aspects in reviews of the Motorola Moto E is the build quality. The device shares a similar design and materials to the more expensive G and X devices. Engadget states, “The E is awfully nice to hold, even when compared to premium gadgets like HTC's One M8.” Gorilla glass and a water-resistant case provide added durability while the curved, matte finish plastic provide a comfortable secure grip. A removable back provides access to the SIM slot and a microSD slot. Jerry Hildebrand of Android Central says, “It fits well in your hand, feels solid, and while not made of any fancy materials like wood or aluminum, it's very well built.”

The display receives just as much praise. While it is limited to just 540-by-960 resolution, reviews note that it is plenty crisp and bright for regular use. Android Central says, “A budget screen is part of the budget price, but Motorola did fairly well picking out a bright and clear one.” A few reviews did note that the IPS panel did have mild distortion at extreme angles, otherwise, reviews were generally positive.

While it won’t play the latest games or crush any benchmarks, performance was reviewed quite positive for a budget phone as well. Vlad Savov of The Verge states, “This is far and away the fastest and best user experience you can get in a sub-$150 phone.” Android Central notes, “The software experience is where the Moto E shines, the whole thing feels very fine-tuned to the hardware.” Overall, apps appear to run well, multi-tasking is fluid and the phone responds well. A few reviews noted that image-heavy websites and HD video could cause slight lag on the device but nothing that made the device freeze or rendered it unusable.

There are, however, a couple of potential issues with the device. The biggest is a lack of storage space. All reviews noted that after everything is installed on the device that a scant 2GB remains for regular use. If you plan to download anything, take pictures or play games, Engadget says, “Picking up a microSD card is damn near a necessity.”

The camera is also a weak point in many reviews. Lack of a front facing camera makes video chat and other features impossible. The 5MP rear-facing camera receives lackluster reviews. SlashGear states, “Images lack detail, struggle in low-light conditions, and the fixed-focus means close-ups are pretty much impossible.” The Verge goes as far as to call the camera “terrible.” Combine this with potential storage issues and the device could pose problems if you’re looking to take photos and video with your phone.

Overall, the device appears to be a clear winner in the entry-level category. TechRadar gives the device rave reviews, stating, “at that price I'd argue that there's nothing else out there as good as the Moto E.” The Verge believes this could change the entry-level market of Android devices, saying “Motorola has set a new standard with the Moto E. A handset that’s affordable to many and good enough for most.” Whether you are looking for an affordable device, want a cheap phone for the kids or picking up a backup for your daily use phone, the Moto E seems to offer outstanding value.

What the Critics Are Saying...

Over the years testing and reviewing smartphones, I haven’t used a device that retailed for under $130 at launch that was actually decent. Until I tried out the Moto E, that is.The Moto E isn’t a device suited to power users. It isn’t a device for people that demand the best hardwa...

- Tim Schiesser, TechSpot

The Moto E is as good as it gets if you’re looking for a super affordable phone. Not only you get a solid device which offers an efficient all-round performance, the fact that it runs on the latest Android operating system coupled with prompt updates make it currently one of the best budget An...

- Andre Chan, Mobile88

It's easy to forgive the Moto E's shortcomings as there simply isn't a better Android effort in the budget sector

- Damien McFerran, Know Your Mobile

The Moto E is a brilliant device for the price. If your budget doesn't stretch beyond £100 then we would say - ignoring the lack of 4G connectivity - that there isn't a competing device that offers the same overall experience, specification and design.Despite the price point the Moto E has gli...

- Britta O'Boyle, Pocket-lint

With such serious multimedia and battery shortcomings, the Moto E is clearly no Rolls Royce of the phone industry. But it would be unfair to judge it based solely on that. After the Moto G's excellent value for money, Motorola is striking the same chord with the Moto E, offering up an extremely inex...

Prices (Where to Buy)

Common Questions

Motorola Moto E prices will vary depending on retailer, age, special offers and whether or not it's purchased with a service plan. If purchased with a 2 year service contract for example, you would likely pay much less for the phone itself up front. Motorola's suggested retail price is $129.00. You can compare Moto E prices from around the web here on The Informr.

If your Moto E has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Motorola support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Motorola's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.

Rate It:

Critic Reviews

Excellent value for money

Over the years testing and reviewing smartphones, I haven’t used a device that retailed for under $130 at launch that was actually decent. Until I tried out the Moto E, that is.

The Moto E isn’t a device suited to power users. It isn’t a device for people that demand the best hardware or a suite of crazy features. It is, however, a great entry-level handset that gives you all the necessities in a simple, functional package for a very attractive price. Crucially, the necessities aren’t hampered by terrible software or laggy performance, which typically haunt cheap Android smartphones...

Over the years testing and reviewing smartphones, I haven’t used a device that retailed for under $130 at launch that was actually decent. Until I tried out the Moto E, that is.

The Moto E isn’t a device suited to power users. It isn’t a device for people that demand the best hardware or a suite of crazy features. It is, however, a great entry-level handset that gives you all the necessities in a simple, functional package for a very attractive price. Crucially, the necessities aren’t hampered by terrible software or laggy performance, which typically haunt cheap Android smartphones.

If you’re a fan of stock Android like I am, you’ll be extremely pleased with the vanilla experience on the Moto E. There’s no crap to bog down the OS, but at the same time Motorola has included a few useful applications alongside the stock Google ones, especially Alert. There’s also a promised, speedy upgrade to Android L when Google releases the final build.

For $130 the Moto E is a largely fantastic product, making it a great purchase if you’re in the market for a cheap, no-fuss smartphone.

Decent specs in a very affordable package

The Moto E is as good as it gets if you’re looking for a super affordable phone. Not only you get a solid device which offers an efficient all-round performance, the fact that it runs on the latest Android operating system coupled with prompt updates make it currently one of the best budget...More

The Moto E is as good as it gets if you’re looking for a super affordable phone. Not only you get a solid device which offers an efficient all-round performance, the fact that it runs on the latest Android operating system coupled with prompt updates make it currently one of the best budget Android phones around. It’s truly bang for your bucks.

Stock Android, great build quality, expandable storage

The Moto G completely redefined the concept of the budget smartphone, providing an experience that most people would have happily paid twice or maybe three times as much for. The Moto E is even cheaper, but in order to shave some cash off the RRP, Motorola has had to cut corners when it comes to screen size, CPU power and camera capability....

The Moto G completely redefined the concept of the budget smartphone, providing an experience that most people would have happily paid twice or maybe three times as much for. The Moto E is even cheaper, but in order to shave some cash off the RRP, Motorola has had to cut corners when it comes to screen size, CPU power and camera capability.

Despite this, the Moto E remains an impressive phone that puts rival low-cost smartphones well and truly in the shade. If you're in the market for a device and price is your primary concern, then it makes sense to save the additional pennies and pick this over the Moto G, but if you can stretch the cost then Motorola's 2013 offering is a cannier purchase.

Great design and good display at an affordable price

The Moto E is a brilliant device for the price. If your budget doesn't stretch beyond £100 then we would say - ignoring the lack of 4G connectivity - that there isn't a competing device that offers the same overall experience, specification and design.

Despite the price point the Moto E has glimpses of premium about its build; the matte finish on the rear makes it a delight to hold and the metal buttons feel quality. Add some useful software features, a true Android experience, solid battery life, microSD slot for storage expansion, quality sound output and it's an undeniably decent device...

The Moto E is a brilliant device for the price. If your budget doesn't stretch beyond £100 then we would say - ignoring the lack of 4G connectivity - that there isn't a competing device that offers the same overall experience, specification and design.

Despite the price point the Moto E has glimpses of premium about its build; the matte finish on the rear makes it a delight to hold and the metal buttons feel quality. Add some useful software features, a true Android experience, solid battery life, microSD slot for storage expansion, quality sound output and it's an undeniably decent device.

On the not-so-good side of the coin the rear camera really isn't up to much and the lack of a front-facing one feels like an oddity, plus the screen resolution is fairly low. But that's hardly surprising given the price.

All said and done the Moto E gives plenty of bang for your buck. But it sits in a busy market, and one that's already dominated by Motorola. That, in part, is the Moto E's undoing, because we would still opt to spend a little more cash and buy the 4G Moto G instead. But that can't detract from the Moto E's successes: it's a great phone available at a great price.

Like a low-cost dual-SIM Nexus

With such serious multimedia and battery shortcomings, the Moto E is clearly no Rolls Royce of the phone industry. But it would be unfair to judge it based solely on that. After the Moto G's excellent value for money, Motorola is striking the same chord with the Moto E, offering up an extremely i...More

With such serious multimedia and battery shortcomings, the Moto E is clearly no Rolls Royce of the phone industry. But it would be unfair to judge it based solely on that. After the Moto G's excellent value for money, Motorola is striking the same chord with the Moto E, offering up an extremely inexpensive smartphone with a responsive interface and nice screen. It's really an enjoyable phone to use and it doesn't provoke the usual frustrations that other budget Android phones do. The Moto E is clearly the new reference in its category.

Feels really solid in the hand and navigates extremely smoothly

The Moto E is the type of device I would recommend you to recommend to others. Get it as a first smartphone for your child/younger sibling. Get it for your maid/driver/whoever. If you have to buy a smartphone for yourself, and intend to use it for a long time, I would *strongly* recommend you try...More

The Moto E is the type of device I would recommend you to recommend to others. Get it as a first smartphone for your child/younger sibling. Get it for your maid/driver/whoever. If you have to buy a smartphone for yourself, and intend to use it for a long time, I would *strongly* recommend you try and increase your budget to fit in the Moto G, if even the 8GB variant bought second hand. The performance that the Moto G offers for its price still blows us away more than this one does.

A phone that redefines consumer expectations of a low-cost smartphone

If you are an enthusiast, this isn’t going to be your primary phone. It does however make for an inexpensive backup or a great way for folks on other platforms to test drive and experience Android as it was intended. Outside of the Nexus program and rumored Android Silver phones, Motorola i...More

If you are an enthusiast, this isn’t going to be your primary phone. It does however make for an inexpensive backup or a great way for folks on other platforms to test drive and experience Android as it was intended. Outside of the Nexus program and rumored Android Silver phones, Motorola is the only manufacturer making phones that ship with a pure Android experience, going as far as to guarantee you’ll receive an update to the next major version of Android. When you remove all of the bloat, Motorola has found that you don’t need the fastest processor to provide users with a great experience. The Moto E isn’t without its flaws, notably in the camera department and lack of 4G LTE. I found it to be an incredibly capable and well designed smartphone. For someone upgrading from a feature phone, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better smartphone at $129.

You get what you pay for...and a little more

Motorola has rested its hat on delivering the most phone possible for the least money necessary. The company cut corners on the Moto X and focused on software, then cut even more corners with the Moto G and focused on price. With the Moto E, it's raced to lower depths and still managed to create...More

Motorola has rested its hat on delivering the most phone possible for the least money necessary. The company cut corners on the Moto X and focused on software, then cut even more corners with the Moto G and focused on price. With the Moto E, it's raced to lower depths and still managed to create a phone worth buying. That's because the Moto E costs only $129 without a contract. At that price, no other smartphone comes close. I'd recommend anyone considering a Moto E aim a little higher and get the Moto G if they can afford it, but for someone whose first priority is the budget, the Moto E is the best option. The camera is abysmal and the form is a little shaky, but the Moto E is good in so many other key areas that it's hard to not be impressed by how good a phone can be even when aiming to go downmarket.

Delivered successfully in so many departments

The Moto E is another bulls-eye by Motorola. It's not the best performer out there, but it packs a serious punch for the least amount of money. We especially appreciated the unspoiled Android OS and the solid promise for timely updates. The camera is certainly a letdown, but not everybody needs a...More

The Moto E is another bulls-eye by Motorola. It's not the best performer out there, but it packs a serious punch for the least amount of money. We especially appreciated the unspoiled Android OS and the solid promise for timely updates. The camera is certainly a letdown, but not everybody needs a good camera. What everybody would get with the Moto E is a solid user experience and great bang-for-buck ratio, and that's what counts.

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